“‘Can I be introduced to him?’ asked Crosby.

“’That you can—­to-night—­I’ve shown many a lad like yourself the way to make a fortune.’

“In the evening the farmer was as good as his word.  Giving Crosby a wink, they went forth, shaping their course towards the mountain, about half way up which, they came to a huge rock, which jutted over with threatening aspect; but was prevented from falling, by several forest trees, against which it rested.”

[Illustration]

“Here the farmer, taking his cane, struck several smart blows upon the rock.  Instantly, a kind of trap door was opened, and an English captain appeared, with a lantern.

“‘Captain!’ whispered the farmer, ’here’s as brave a lad as you have seen this many a day—­good bye.’

“‘Well, my lad,’ said the captain, ‘do you understand burrowing?’

“‘Not much of the wood chuck about me,’ replied Crosby, ’more of the fox—­I can enter burrows already made.’

“‘Well! see whether your skill can contrive to enter here,’ pointing to a small hole, leading into a cavern.

“‘Tight work, I believe,’ said Crosby, forcing his huge frame through the opening, followed by the captain, who, from the smallness of his size, slipped down with more ease.

“‘Quite a comfortable apartment, captain,’ observed Crosby, casting his eye round upon the interior, ’and not likely to starve very soon, one would judge, from the good things on your table.’

“‘Help yourself to what you like,’ said the captain, ’his majesty’s friends provide well—­good fare—­no charges.’

“Crosby had but just supped—­but tempted by the fare, somewhat superior to that which he had seen at the farmer’s, he seated himself at the table, while the liberal hand of the captain was not backward in replenishing his plate, as often as it was emptied.

“‘Do you leave here soon?’ inquired Crosby.

“‘To-morrow, I hope,’ said the captain.  ’I have burrowed here long enough.  Much longer—­and I shall have claws in good earnest.’

“‘Your company is full, then?’

“‘Room for one or two more.  What say you, shall I enter your name?’

“‘When and where does the company meet, before marching?’ inquired Crosby.

“’On Tuesday evening, at the barn of Mr. S——­; what say you, will you be present?’

“‘I will,’ replied Crosby.

“‘Done!’ said the captain—­’now turn in; and in the morning, go back to farmer B——­’s, and be ready to meet us, at the time and place appointed.’

“On the following morning, which was Saturday, Crosby returned to his employer, with whom he concluded to stay, till the appointed time of marching.

“Much now depended on good management.  News of the above arrangement must he sent to the committee of safety, and as early as possible.  At some distance from farmer B——­’s, Crosby had ascertained there lived an honest old whig, whom he determined to employ to carry a letter to Mr. Jay, then at Fishkill.